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VANITY FAIR

8 Jun, 8 tweets, 3 min read

Jeffrey Epstein’s life was shrouded in mystery, but the source of his wealth—and his power—might be the greatest mystery of all. His relationship with the billionaire retail magnate Leslie Wexner could be the key to unlocking the truth. vntyfr.com/WiPJaKG

Until recently, Epstein’s only publicly named client was Wexner, the founder and CEO of the women’s apparel retailer The Limited, whose global retail empire expanded to include Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, and Bath & Body Works. vntyfr.com/gc7yiCV

Jeffrey Epstein built his vast sex-trafficking ring throughout the ’90s and early aughts—the same time he worked closely with Wexner. But after Epstein's 2008 conviction, including on a count of soliciting a minor for prostitution, Wexner refused to discuss him.

But Wexner and Epstein were once virtually inseparable. When Wexner and his wife traveled to Europe, Epstein and his on-off girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell joined them on shopping trips.

Epstein and Wexner were introduced by insurance mogul Robert Meister, who opened up for the first time about the origins of Wexner and Epstein’s relationship. Soon after, Meister started hearing disturbing stories about Epstein’s sexual proclivities:

🔗: vntyfr.com/DMF0p07

Epstein was known for his savant-like skills at impressing powerful older men. Stuart Pivar, a founder of the New York Academy of Art and friend, said Epstein’s magnetism was almost impossible to resist:

🔗: vntyfr.com/DMF0p07

Jeffrey Epstein's life and death—especially the source of his wealth—remain a subject of speculation and conspiracy theorizing. “There’s no question that Epstein could not have done what he did without the support of people that provided him money,” said attorney David Boies.

@gabrielsherman

Whatever the nature of their relationship, Epstein’s longtime connection to one of America’s richest men aided his public profile, boosting his air of legitimacy—and his power. @gabrielsherman investigates the link between Epstein and his biggest client. vntyfr.com/7XSjKri

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